Christchurch Folk Music Club

Matty Smith and Josh Braden 29 July 2018

A soft, acoustic approach for a night filled with the creativity of Matty’s original songs to the fore and shining. There was contrast throughout the night. The night opened with the tones of the David Gray sound-alike Matty crooning his songs with a depth of subject, including international politics, mental health and of course personal relationships. The diversity was refreshing, portraying a young soul who considers the implications of life and then utilises his musical skills to share his perspective. Then joined on stage by friend and fellow musician Josh Braden, the joy of music was evident as it was like watching puppies cavort as they intertwined their guitar playing as a dance, responding to each other with music and movement. It was a joy to see their comfort on stage together. They owned the space, both using their vocal abilities to harmonise with lines that carried even though away from the mic. The contrast of voices was another highlight for the night. Matty’s gentle rasp intimately contrasted against the soaring tenor lilt of Josh, this worked so well together as the songs of Matty became alive with the two vocals. A night enjoyed, showcasing two of Christchurch’s young musical talents, names to be watched for future career developments. by Judi Smitheram, Secretary

More Reviews

All Girl Big Band

1st July 2018 A night where the audience was treated to a fantastic display of exceptional musicianship. One of the attendees asked ‘where else in the world would you have got such top entertainment for $10 or $15? no where, it was an...

read more

The Secret Lives of Ukulele

 24 June 2018 Rocking those ukuleles and cigar box guitars – throwing in bass and drums! Presenting with a rainbow mix of colour, all made for a kaleidoscopic extravaganza for the senses. The mood lighting enhanced the night; songs with water...

read more

Eddie Simon – Music Accolades Over Many Years

Eddie Simon expressed his nervousness to me before he performed at the club. On reflection is truly a compliment, as this illustrates his care about the audience, their opinion and that his songs are important to him and his wish to have his...

read more

Trouble In The Kitchen

Club concert - 28 May, by Lorcan Bolster Trouble In The Kitchen are a young, Melbourne based, traditional Irish Music band and a damn fine band they are. Over here in NZ on their first overseas tour they are Ado Barker on fiddle, Ben Stevenson on flute,...

read more

Simon Kerr

Review by Lynette-Diaz - July 20, 2008 New Zealand native, Simon Kerr, has been living in Australia for the past six months. Leaving his New Zealand band the Acoustic Junkies to go it solo in the big Melbourne pond. During his recent Folk Club...

read more

Ruth Wyand – Review

Club concert - 23 April, by Isabella Miller Bell I really look forward to receiving the folk club magazine and reading through to see who's coming to town and who's doing what with whom these days. When I read that Ruth Wyand was to be...

read more

Rural Delivery

Concert at Club Sunday 8 October, Reviewed by Margorie Mitchell With "just a desire to entertain" Rural Delivery succeed from every angle. A comedy night – with incidental music – was an understatement offered from one of the band during the...

read more

Port Fairy Folk Festival – March 9th-12th, 2007

By Lance Risk If it is possible to have too much of a good thing, Port Fairy Folk Festival is just that for a hard core Festival haunting Folkie like me. It is like every New Zealand festival run over the same weekend. Set up six giant tent...

read more

Back Porch Music

Reviewed By Larry Milnes I noticed in a review in the previous Hear Ye that the reviewer closed with the postscript "If you love music don’t flog it off the net" and while I agree with this, a positive by-product of this digital technology is...

read more